Severe Weather Alert issued for North East’s roads

Drivers are advised to take extra care on the North East’s road network from Wednesday morning, with wind speeds expected to reach 70mph.

The Highways Agency has issued a severe weather alert for gales from 8am on Wednesday 10 December until 9am on Thursday 11 December. Gusts of over 50mph are expected along the coast and over the Pennines from sunrise on Wednesday, with winds strengthening throughout the morning up to 70mph.

Hail, sleet and snow showers are also forecast, especially over the higher Pennine routes, where drivers can expect blizzard conditions. Visibility will be significantly reduced during the showers and also from the spray.

Andrew Olive, winter services manager at the Highways Agency, said:

We’re expecting high winds across the region from Wednesday morning so we’re urging motorists to allow extra time for their journeys and to drive at appropriate speeds.

If your journey isn’t essential then it may be better to travel at a different time, especially if you’re driving a lorry, caravan or motorbike as these vehicles are particularly vulnerable in high winds.

Drivers should also check fuel and fluid levels, electrics and tyres before setting off to make sure their vehicles are as safe as possible.

There is a particularly high risk that high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes could be blown over in the strong winds. Drivers of these kinds of vehicles are strongly advised to avoid the following roads if at all possible:

A1(M) J47-J49 between A59 Knaresborough and A168 Dishforth

A1(M) J58-J65 between A1 and Washington at J65

A66 between M6 J40 – A1 (Scotch Corner)

A19 Hylton Bridge over River Wear

A19 Tees Viaduct

A19 Leven Viaduct

A69

Road users should check their journeys before they travel by listening to traffic bulletins on the radio, visiting the Highways Agency’s traffic alertsor calling the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Winter driving advice and information is available on the Met Office’s website, alongside weather information and traffic updates.

Regular winter updates will also be available via the Agency’s winter social media channels, Facebook and Twitter.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Severe weather alert issued for North West’s roads

Drivers are advised to take extra care on the North West’s road network from Wednesday morning, with wind speeds expected to reach 70mph.

The Highways Agency has issued a severe weather alert for gales from 8am on Wednesday 10 December until 9am on Thursday 11 December. Gusts of over 50mph are expected along the coast and over the Pennines from sunrise on Wednesday, with winds strengthening throughout the morning up to 70mph.

Hail, sleet and snow showers are also forecast, especially over the higher Pennine routes, where drivers can expect blizzard conditions. Visibility will be significantly reduced during the showers and also from the spray.

Andrew Olive, winter services manager at the Highways Agency, said:

We’re expecting high winds across the region from Wednesday morning so we’re urging motorists to allow extra time for their journeys and to drive at appropriate speeds.

If your journey isn’t essential then it may be better to travel at a different time, especially if you’re driving a lorry, caravan or motorbike as these vehicles are particularly vulnerable in high winds.

Drivers should also check fuel and fluid levels, electrics and tyres before setting off to make sure their vehicles are as safe as possible.

There is a particularly high risk that high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes could be blown over in the strong winds. Drivers of these kinds of vehicles are strongly advised to avoid the following roads if at all possible:

Road users should check their journeys before they travel by listening to traffic bulletins on the radio, visiting www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or calling the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Winter driving advice and information is available on the Met Office’s website, alongside weather information and traffic updates.

Regular winter updates will also be available via the Agency’s winter social media channels, Facebook and Twitter.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.